ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru on Monday announced that the government is considering introducing a new airing levy for ads filmed out of Kenya.
Speaking as he officiated the 2019 Film Screenplay Competition, the CS indicated that the move was meant to protect the local industry.
The competition opens co-production opportunities in the film and creative industries to explore how Kenya can take advantage of the Africa and China markets.
"For the scriptwriters, this is your chance to showcase your talent," CS Mucheru remarked.
The CS further indicated that his ministry was exploring the viability of establishing a Film and Media City in Kenya with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that would rival Hollywood.
"We have the opportunities, and with just an extra push, we will get this industry moving," he indicated.
According to CS Mucheru, the film industry is set to make a great contribution to the country's economy, enhancing Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) drastically.
"The overall long-term plan for the screenplay competition is to enable us to pick some fantastic scripts, which we can co-produce with Chinese production houses, for airing in theatres across China.
"Continuous consultations with key stakeholders are critical. With a median age of 19 years, the film sector has a huge potential to generate youth-centric job opportunities," the CS added.
CS Mucheru further challenged the film industry players to actively integrate Kenyan culture and heritage in the local productions.
He equally exuded confidence that the introduction of movie theatres across all the 47 counties will help promote the local film making industry.
